Examples of Zero Energy Buildings

Some examples of zero energy buildings follow. We will add to this list as we learn of more buildings that qualify according to one or more of the definitions.

The Audubon Center at Debs Park is a very low energy building that uses minimal fossil fuels and is not grid connected. It does not, however, qualify for zero energy building status.

The Science House at the Science Museum of Minnesota generates all its energy on site. The rooftop photovoltaic production exceeds building consumption by 30%, so the building qualifies as a net zero site energy building and a net zero source energy building.

The Adam Joseph Lewis Center at Oberlin College is an experimental building that is being used as part of the academic program. It will continue to be modified as its energy consumption is better understood and as new technologies become available. It meets the definitions for a net site zero energy building and a net source zero energy building. For more information, visit the Adam Joseph Lewis Center Web site.

The Ideas Z² Design Facility was designed to be an onsite zero energy building; however, data are not yet available. For more information about this facility, visit the Ideas . . . Design Facilities Web site.

The Aldo Leopold Legacy Center is too new for actual data, but it has been LEED certified as carbon neutral and was designed to be an onsite zero energy building. For more information, visit the Aldo Leopold Legacy Center Web site.

Share Information about Your Zero Energy Building

The Buildings Database contains information about high performing buildings. Fill in information about the building on the overview and energy pages to show the energy performance of your building. Also, tell us which zero energy building definitions you met and how you met them. We look forward to posting information about your building in the database.